Sunlight filters into the living room, filled with European tapestries and antiques.

The house and garden were begun in 1922, both planned to be authentically Spanish in every detail. Local landscape artist Ralph Stevens and horticulturist Peter Reidel worked with the architect to create plantings that would complement the residence, consulting frequently with the famed landscape architect Lockwood de Forest.

In 1923, George Steedman went to Spain with friends from St. Louis who were experts on Spanish antiques. They purchased tiles, carved wooden doors, iron grilles, leaded windows, a Gothic ceiling, garden pots and wrought iron gates, among other treasures. Every "find" was destined for its special place in the house or garden, so carefully had Steedman studied the plans before embarking on his search.

Steedman's passion for Gothic design is evident in the octagonal library room, designed by Lutah Marie Riggs and based on a French medieval chateau tower.

Back in Montecito Steedman continued his collaboration with G.W. Smith, helping to develop over 200 drawings of Spanish details that reveal his design talent, particularly in the studies leading to the unusual curved stairway off the dining room. Both perfectionists, Steedman and Smith were unrelenting in their attention to detail, having completed as many as forty revised versions before settling on the final plan of the house. Completed for occupancy by June 1925, Casa del Herrero (House of the Blacksmith) was named by George Steedman, reflecting his successful career in the metal business and his hobby of metal crafting.

On the morning of June 29, when Steedman was in Santa Barbara preparing to move in and ready the home for his wife's arrival, Santa Barbara's great earthquake struck at 6:45 a.m., destroying some of the city's finest structures. Rushing out to Montecito, Steedman was much relieved to find his new home - built of steel-reinforced masonry - completely intact and without a crack.

Like many local estate owners in those days, the Steedmans spent only part of each year in Montecito, usually summers. In 1930, however, after five years of seasonal visits, they moved here permanently, settling in to enjoy their home and its wonderful gardens year round.

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